Next Generation Nursing Assistant: Train. Test. Work. CNA Training

The Next Generation Nursing Assistant course, approved by the Minnesota Department of Health, equips you with essential skills like taking vital signs, providing personal care, and assisting with mobility. This course prepares you for a rewarding career as a nursing assistant or nurse aide in senior care facilities. This course includes employer connections with employers who are hiring now!

This hybrid course combines online coursework with in-person lab sessions (Alexandria campus) and local clinical sites. Access to the internet and a computer is required. Attendance at all class sessions is mandatory—if you cannot commit to attending every session, please do not enroll in this course.

Candidates interested in this course must FIRST participate in an online Minnesota State Information Session. This session will further explain the role of a nursing assistant, verify training eligibility requirements, discuss class and employment expectations, and the next steps in the enrollment process.

Click this link to register for a free information session:

Info Session Registration »

Candidate Eligibility

Candidates must be 16 years of age or older as of October 9, 2024, and be eligible to work in the United States to participate in this course. Candidates must pass a Minnesota DHS background study, including fingerprinting, and health screening for clinical session. The costs for these screenings are included in this class. Candidates must be able to travel to screening locations.

Upon successful completion, you’ll receive a certificate and be eligible to take the Nursing Assistant Competency Exam, which qualifies you for the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry.

This course is part of the Next Generation Nursing Assistant – Train, Test, Work initiative. If accepted and eligible, you will receive free training and testing—a $1,615 value—thanks to the State of Minnesota's Next Generation Nursing Assistant Initiative. In return, participants must attend all class sessions and are expected to work as nursing assistants after completing the course.

Individuals not planning on working as a nursing assistant in senior care, currently employed in long-term care, and those needing to take a course only to fulfill an educational pre-requisite will be directed to other training options.

Program requirements for eligible applicants:

  • Must be over 16, and legally able to work in the U.S. (Minnesota). 
  • Must be interested in and plan on accepting a long-term care position in Minnesota after completing the program. If you are not ready to work immediately, please wait or consider a different training program. 
  • Must be in good physical condition. Nursing assistants frequently move patients and have other physically demanding tasks, such as bathing, grooming, toileting, walking, exercising, and feeding patients. 
  • Not currently working in healthcare. 
  • Must be able to pass a Department of Human Services background study. 
  • Must complete the vaccine and tuberculosis testing requirements of their employer. 
  • Must attend mandatory orientation, all class sessions, and testing. 
  • Must complete and pass a knowledge test and a skills test to be added to the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry and seek employment. 
  • For hybrid courses, applicants must provide their own computer and internet access to participate in online courses. 

For more details on eligibility and requirements and class availability, visit:

Eligibility and Requirements Class Availability

How do I sign up for training?

  1. Show up (virtually) and attend a Train. Test. Work. Information Session.
  2. Complete the eligibility survey.
  3. Register for class when you receive the campus email.
  4. Attend and participate in all class sessions, orientation, and employer events.

Click this link to register for a free information session:

Info Session Registration »

This class meets OBRA requirements for training nurse assistants and meets the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) standards. Students practice skills in a supervised laboratory setting and in a clinical environment in long-term care.

Alexandria Technical & Community College is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in employment and education opportunity. No person shall be discriminated against in the terms and conditions of employment, personnel practices, or access to and participation in, programs, services, and activities with regard to race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. In addition, discrimination in employment based on membership or activity in a local commission as defined in the Minnesota Human Rights Act, Minn. Stat. 363.01, subd. 23 is prohibited.

Email Addresses: Providing your email address will allow Customized Training Department staff to communicate with you via email. If appropriate, your email address may also be placed on a targeted email marketing list to profile upcoming classes, trainings, events, etc. offered by the Customized Training Department at Alexandria Technical & Community College. Email addresses are not distributed.